Burning Sensation When Urinating: A Symptom of Urinary Tract Infection, Kidney Stones, Urethral Issues, Bladder Problems, or Prostate Inflammation. Learn More About This Discomfort and Treatments.
Burning sensation when urinating can be related to a urinary tract infection, kidney problems, prostate diseases, diabetes, hormonal issues, and sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia. Find out more below.
Main Causes of Burning Sensation When Urinating
The burning sensation after urination, clinically called dysuria, is a symptom associated with different conditions. Check it out:
1. Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection is one of the main causes of burning urine.
The most common reason is the entry of bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Enterococcus, and Pseudomonas into the urinary tract from the urethra.
Symptoms include:
- Heaviness in the bladder;
- Feeling the need to urinate frequently;
- Reduced amount of urine;
- Dark, strong-smelling urine;
- Lower back pain;
- Blood in the urine;
- Low-grade fever with chills.
Treatment for a urinary tract infection is usually done with antibiotics, lasting from 7 to 10 days, depending on medical evaluation.
2. Urethritis
Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra caused by bacteria that invade mainly after unprotected sexual intercourse, exposing the body to infections such as gonorrhea, genital herpes, chlamydia, among others.
The symptoms of urethritis include pain or burning sensation when urinating, redness around the urethra, and the release of discharge, blood, or pus. Men may experience redness on the glans and testicular pain. Treatment is done with antibiotics for up to 7 days.
3. Cystitis
Cystitis is a bladder infection caused mostly by Escherichia coli. This bacterium is found in the urinary and intestinal tract, but when it multiplies and reaches the bladder, it triggers this infectious condition.
There are two types of cystitis:
- Acute cystitis: starts suddenly and worsens quickly. Symptoms include painful urination and a frequent urge to urinate, but with little urine;
- Interstitial cystitis: inflammation of the bladder walls. Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, frequent urge to urinate, difficulty holding urine, genital pain or tenderness, blood in the urine, and in men, pain during ejaculation.
The most common cause in men is prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate that can be triggered by bacterial or viral infections.
The treatment for cystitis involves antibiotics such as fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin, or combinations like sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim or amoxicillin + clavulanate, taken for 3 to 7 days.
4. Candidiasis
Male candidiasis is an infection resulting from the excessive proliferation of Candida albicans, caused by poor intimate hygiene, buildup of secretions in the foreskin, and a weakened immune system.
The symptoms of male candidiasis include:
- Unpleasant odor;
- Intense itching on the penis;
- Swelling and redness of the penis;
- Pain or burning during sexual intercourse;
- White discharge resembling curdled milk;
- Fissures on the penis.
The treatment for candidiasis involves antifungal creams or ointments. Oral medications may be prescribed for people with recurrent candidiasis or weakened immune systems.
5. Sexually Transmitted Infections
Bacteria or viruses can reach the urethra and cause burning sensation when urinating, which is often one of the first signs of infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, among others.
Depending on the STI, the discomfort may come along with bleeding, yellow discharge with a foul odor, itching, and sores in the intimate area.
Treatment varies but is generally done with oral antibiotics such as Azithromycin or Metronidazole.
6. Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate that can occur in three forms:
- Acute: caused by bacterial infection;
- Chronic: may be bacterial, inflammatory, or result from injuries in the region;
- Asymptomatic: inflammatory in origin, but without symptoms. It is usually detected in routine tests.
The symptoms of prostatitis include:
- Pain or burning during urination;
- Urinary urgency;
- Frequent urge to urinate at night;
- Pain or discomfort between the scrotum and the anus;
- Pain or discomfort in the penis or testicles;
- Lower back pain;
- Pain during erection or ejaculation;
- Erectile dysfunction;
- Pain when defecating.
In severe cases, the man may have fever with chills and blood in the urine or semen.
The treatment for prostatitis involves antibiotics to combat the infection, along with pain relievers and anti-inflammatories to reduce discomfort. Combining medication with pelvic physiotherapy is another approach.
7. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is an increase in the number of cells in the prostate, potentially related to reduced testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.
The symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia are:
- Difficulty starting urination;
- Sensation of incomplete bladder emptying after urination;
- Increased urinary frequency, especially at night;
- Reduced volume and force of the urine stream;
- Dribbling after urination;
- Urinary tract infection.
The treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia can be medical or surgical, depending on severity. Check it out:
Medical
- Alpha-blockers: medications such as tamsulosin, alfuzosin, and doxazosin that relax prostate and bladder muscles to facilitate urination;
- 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors: such as finasteride and dutasteride, which reduce prostate size;
- Combination therapy: the doctor may combine alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors for better results;
- Antibiotics: in case of urinary infection;
- Anticholinergics: to relieve overactive bladder symptoms associated with hyperplasia.
Surgical
- Open or robot-assisted prostatectomy: indicated when the prostate is very large or is removed through an abdominal incision;
- Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): the most common surgical treatment, in which the prostate is removed through the urethra;
- Transurethral incision of the prostate: a procedure similar to TURP but involves small incisions in the prostate.
8. Kidney or Bladder Stones
Both result from the crystallization of substances like calcium.
The causes of kidney stones include dehydration, urinary tract infections, excess calcium, high salt intake, excessive consumption of animal protein, and diets rich in oxalates (such as beets, spinach, nuts, and chocolate). Meanwhile, bladder stones can form if you hold your urine for too long.
Symptoms and treatments are similar:
- Kidney stones: pain or burning when urinating, cloudy urine, frequent urge to urinate, severe pain in the lower back or side, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Treatment may involve pain relievers like dipyrone or acetaminophen, or surgery for stones larger than 6 mm;
- Bladder stones: pain in the lower abdomen, difficulty urinating, feeling of incomplete bladder emptying after urination, blood in the urine, frequent UTIs, and intense pain when urinating. Treatment may involve antibiotics, and stone removal can be done by laser or surgery.
9. Diabetes
Diabetes can cause burning sensation when urinating because excess glucose leads the kidneys to produce more urine, causing dehydration. This fluid loss irritates the urinary tract, leading to discomfort.
Besides dehydration, diabetes creates a sugary environment that favors bacterial growth. With more bacteria in the urinary tract, UTIs become more frequent.
Uncontrolled diabetes can also trigger pyelonephritis, a kidney infection caused by bacteria ascending from the bladder or urethra to the kidneys.
To keep diabetes under control, it is essential to follow the medication prescribed by your doctor, stay hydrated, and undergo regular tests to assess kidney and urinary health.
10. Hormonal Changes
The reduction of testosterone levels is part of aging and is among the causes of pain when urinating in men. This reduction can affect the size of the prostate and the functioning of the urinary system.
One such change is benign prostatic hyperplasia, a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate. This growth compresses the urethra, making it harder for urine to pass and causing painful or burning urination.
Common Symptoms Associated with Burning Sensation When Urinating
Below are some symptoms often related to this issue:
- Pain when urinating;
- Lower back or lower abdominal pain;
- Urgent need to urinate, even right after urinating;
- Urinating more often and in small amounts;
- Feeling that the bladder is not completely empty after urination;
- Blood in the urine, visible or detected in tests;
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine;
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
How to Diagnose the Causes
These causes are usually diagnosed through tests such as:
- Urinalysis: identifies the presence of blood, proteins, and leukocytes;
- Urine culture: checks for bacteria and other microorganisms;
- Ultrasound: an imaging test to evaluate the kidneys, bladder, and prostate, which are related to discomfort when urinating.
Recommended Treatments
In many cases, antibiotic therapy is indicated to address infections, but each situation must be assessed by a professional.
Surgery may be indicated for very large kidney stones, following medical evaluation, and for benign prostatic hyperplasia when the prostate is excessively enlarged.
How to Prevent Burning Sensation When Urinating
Practical tips help prevent this symptom. Check it out:
- Proper personal hygiene: wash the penis daily in the shower with water and mild soap, including after sexual intercourse;
- Hydration: drinking water dilutes the urine and helps keep the urethra clean;
- Condoms: using condoms in every sexual encounter prevents friction and stops bacteria from entering the urethra;
- Avoid irritants: using perfumed products in the genital area can affect the pH that protects against infections, killing beneficial bacteria and promoting the growth of harmful bacteria;
- Regular check-ups: a men’s health check-up includes tests that vary by age and help detect diseases at an early stage.
Consequences of Untreated Burning Sensation When Urinating
If not treated, burning when urinating can lead to:
- Frequent urinary tract infections;
- Damage to urinary organs: bladder, urethra, and kidneys;
- Kidney infections like pyelonephritis;
- Gradual decrease in kidney function.
What to Do If You Feel a Burning Sensation When Urinating?
You should see a urologist as soon as you experience symptoms like pain and burning during urination. The doctor will order tests and then prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Burning sensation when urinating is treated with medications, but good daily health habits help prevent it. Follow Dr. Paulo on TikTok for useful tips on intimate health care.
*This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Each case must be evaluated individually.]
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